Newfoundland‘s award-winning traditionalist singer/songwriter (and lead singer of The Dardenelles) Matthew Byrne, makes is solo Carleton debut on Wednesday, October 11th. Show time is a civilized 7:30 PM and tickets are $20.

Born into a family of Newfoundland music makers, Matthew’s repertoire is heavily influenced by that unique musical lineage – the weaving of a great story with a beautiful melody – and he supports this tradition with powerful vocals, polished guitar work, and a presence that fills the room. His repertoire transcends time and place and his live performance reminds us how satisfying traditional songs can be when stripped down to their basic elements.

Matthew Byrne’s music has traveled well beyond the rugged shores of his Newfoundland home since his 2010 debut, Ballads. Touring as both a solo artist as well as singer with The Dardanelles, he has graced major festival stages worldwide. With his second album, Hearts & Heroes, receiving the Traditional Recording of the Year at the 2015 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Byrne has established himself as one of Canada’s most authentic and vital traditional voices.

Matthew releases his highly-anticipated third album – Horizon Lines – on August 11th, 2017. This newest collection of traditional material explores a unique variety of songs from both sides of the Atlantic and continues Byrne’s journey through his own unique musical lineage.

Possibly the finest interpreter of traditional songs in the country – Penguin Eggs Magazine

His reverence and respect for his material, along with his unabashed exploration of new songs and his staggeringly beautiful voice, makes for the rarest and most vital type of folk performer – Tom Power, CBC Music

It’s increasingly rare to find male traditional signers who are not just good, but GREAT! Matthew is certainly in that truly great category – Brian O’Donovan, WGBH Boston

Matt’s interpretation of traditional songs is somehow fresh and ancient at the same time. And his voice is friggin’ perfect – Alan Doyle

A voice as true as a compass needle – James Keelaghan